Veterans deliver handmade wagons to Baptist Children's Home

Friday

Nov 16, 2012 at 2:34 PM

A touch of Christmas came early for youths Friday morning at Baptist Children's Home.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

THOMASVILLE | A touch of Christmas came early for youths Friday morning at Baptist Children's Home.A veteran duo — Bill Dorrity and George Patton "Pat" Waters — visited the Mills Home campus with more than 150 little red handcrafted wagons."There's no words that can express how you feel. While building each (wagon), I see a youngster's smiling face," said Dorrity, 86.Dorrity, of Goose Greek, S.C., served in World War II. He makes the wooden wagons at his shop and has donated hundreds to children's organizations. He makes about 10 a week.Although Dorrity has been building the wagons for about seven years, this was his first time actually delivering them in person."I have been making wagons for years, and this is the most celebrated delivery I've ever been involved with," Dorrity said. "If it wasn't for the Lord, I wouldn't do this. Jesus loves little children. I'm doing it for the children."Waters, who is the grandson of Gen. George S. Patton, lives in Mount Pleasant, S.C. He is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Waters transports the wagons on his private plane.The two met at a veterans' event in Charleston, S.C. Waters became involved after learning about Dorrity's charitable efforts. He said Dorrity was a man of few words but had a heart as large as the world to put together the unique gift for children."This is the most worthwhile project in the world," Waters said. "Bringing kids happiness is the best gift in the world. I'm so blessed and honored to be here. This is what America is going to be … these kids."Along with the wagons were handmade dolls and stuffed animals made by a woman from Dorrity's church in Summerville, S.C. She used leftover materials from costumes she creates for theaters to craft the plush toys.Children of all ages who reside in the family care cottages and those who attend the weekday education program received the wagons."They're cute. Thank you," said 4-year-old Nevaeh Robinson.Five-year-old Taylor Trotter was happy everyone was able to receive a wagon and stuffed toy. She was even more excited because it was her birthday."I'm going to bring it home and play with it," she said.Wagons will also be distributed to youths at other Baptist Children's Homes locations in the state. BCH provides residential programs and services to children and families throughout 18 North Carolina communities.Dr. Michael Blackwell, president of BCH, thanked everyone who was a part of bringing the wagons to the campus. He said it was an incredible act of kindness that kicked off the Christmas season. During his nearly 30 years with the organization, he has never seen anything like this act of love, Blackwell said."We are grateful for the gift of their time and talents and for making sure that our children know that there are people out there who care about them," he said.Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.